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Ais Heating And Air Conditioning vs Breathable
Alameda HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Ais Heating And Air Conditioning brings significantly more experience (18 vs 13 years) and specializes in full HVAC installations, while Breathable focuses primarily on system cleaning and maintenance.
| Ais Heating And Air Conditioning | Breathable | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 18 years | 13 years |
| License # | 919756 | 979977 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Livermore, CA | Oakland, CA |
| Website | aisheatingandair.com | www.breathable.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Ais Heating And Air Conditioning
Customers consistently praise Ais for professional installation crews who solve problems during complex projects, maintain clean work areas, and provide detailed system explanations without sales pressure.
Breathable
Customers highlight Breathable's thorough cleaning work with before-and-after documentation, transparent communication, and repeat annual service relationships built on consistent quality.
Key Takeaway: Ais's feedback centers on handling installation complications and equipment replacement projects, while Breathable's reviews emphasize meticulous cleaning work and long-term maintenance relationships.
Customer Reviews
Ais Heating And Air Conditioning
I was very pleased with the AIS service as they were able to resolve the problem with my home furnace. The tech was very patient, thorough and knowledgeable. He checked my whole furnace and then was...
Bi-annual visit to check HVAC system and replace filter. Communication is super important to me and AIS is all over it with the text messaging to remind you and confirm your service and also when your...
Both visits were excellent. Pete diagnosed the problem yesterday, ordered the part and installed it today. The system is working and it is warming up the house. Pete is friendly yet focused on his...
Breathable
Alex and his crew were very professional. They did an extremely thorough job cleaning my vents and ducts, which hadn't been cleaned since I purchased the house. I wish I had done this sooner! I not...
I recently hired Breathable for a vent cleaning and sealing service, and I am beyond impressed with the work done by Filipe and his team. From start to finish, the level of professionalism was top-not...
Alex and his crew did an awesome job cleaning the air ducts and dryer vent/duct in my San Francisco home. The 3-men crew came early, covered the surrounding area of each vent with plastic, removed th...
Consider Ais Heating And Air Conditioning if...
- ✓ You need a complete HVAC system replacement, new furnace installation, or major equipment upgrade requiring permit work and system design
- ✓ Your home is older and lacks existing ductwork, requiring a mini-split installation or full duct system retrofit that demands experienced problem-solving
- ✓ You're dealing with a failed heating or cooling system and need emergency replacement with crews experienced in handling complications that arise during tearout
- ✓ Your project involves complex installations like heat pump conversions or whole-house HVAC system overhauls where 18 years of installation experience matters for long-term performance
Consider Breathable if...
- ✓ Your primary need is professional duct cleaning, furnace cleaning, or dryer vent maintenance rather than equipment replacement
- ✓ You want to establish an annual maintenance relationship with a company that specializes in preventive cleaning services and repeat customer care
- ✓ You're dealing with post-renovation dust, pet dander concerns, or allergy issues that require thorough system cleaning with documentation
- ✓ You need duct repair, sealing, or filter upgrades as part of maintaining an existing HVAC system that doesn't require major equipment replacement
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Breathable specifically about their heat pump and air handler installation experience if you're considering them for equipment replacement rather than cleaning services
- → Ask Ais about their duct cleaning capabilities and whether they subcontract this work if your project includes both installation and thorough system cleaning
- → Request references for projects similar to yours, particularly if you're considering a company for work outside their primary specialty area
The Bottom Line
Your choice hinges entirely on what work you actually need done. If you're replacing a furnace, installing a new AC system, adding a heat pump, or retrofitting an older home with ductwork, Ais Heating And Air Conditioning is the clear choice with 18 years focused specifically on installation work and a strong track record handling complex projects. If you need professional duct cleaning, system maintenance, or preventive care for existing equipment, Breathable's specialized expertise and repeat customer base make them the better fit. Don't hire an installation specialist for a cleaning job or vice versa. Match the company's core expertise to your actual project need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While Breathable lists some installation services, their 13-year track record and customer feedback center heavily on cleaning and maintenance work rather than complex installations. Ais has 18 years focused specifically on system replacements and installations, including complex retrofits in older homes. For a major equipment replacement, Ais's deeper installation experience provides more assurance when complications arise.
Ais focuses primarily on installation and repair work rather than specialized cleaning services. If your project requires both a new system installation and comprehensive duct cleaning, you should ask Ais directly about their cleaning capabilities or whether you'd need to coordinate separate specialists. Breathable's entire business model centers on thorough cleaning with documentation.
The answer depends on what your aging system needs. If the equipment itself is failing and requires replacement, Ais's 18 years of installation experience and specific expertise retrofitting older homes makes them the stronger choice. If your system still functions but hasn't been properly cleaned or maintained, Breathable's specialized cleaning services would address that need more directly.
Yes, particularly because both companies are already well-established. Ais's 18 years versus Breathable's 13 years means five additional years of handling permit changes, building code updates, and evolving HVAC technology. For complex installation work where experience diagnosing hidden problems matters, those additional years provide meaningful value. For specialized cleaning services, Breathable's 13 years is more than sufficient.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 13, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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